MSF-OPERATIONAL CELL-BASED HEALTH ADVISOR (Based in Nairobi)

[Admin]

Do you want to be part of an interesting and exciting project with prospects and potential for personal growth in Médecins sans Frontières OCBA?

We want you on board! We want your expertise and your commitment towards MSF! We want your contributions to build an innovative and exciting project in which you can learn, develop and grow along with MSF OCBA .

Background
The decentralization of the management of operations is one initiative amongst the many that are part of IONI (International Operational Network Initiative). In a few words, IONI is the very big frame in which we will invite new stakeholders to help us define, execute and govern the next operational project in a network approach as opposed to a central (OC) approach. Consistent with that, we will manage operations through a decentralised model within the bigger frame.

The objectives of the decentralization of operations are: to deliver high quality and relevant operations fed by diverse thinking and meaningful partnerships; to increase reactivity to respond to needs of population thanks to an agile and effective decision-making process; to make informed decisions more adapted and flexible to environmental changes and finally to allow the organization to grow in scope and number of programs.

OCBA visualizes a medium term construction with operational units in two regions of the world. - One unit will be based in Eastern Africa (Nairobi) at the end of 2011 after a few months in Barcelona to do the corresponding handover and to consolidate the knowledge on HQ dynamics. - One unit is already working in Barcelona and after, taking into consideration the lessons learned from the first decentralised unit in Eastern Africa, it will be decentralised in Latin-America sometime in 2012. At the moment, the Cell included in the Unit of Eastern Africa, manages four missions: Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia and Uganda.

What would your mission be? The Operational Cell-based Health Advisor (TESACO) will disseminate and implement the policies and standards defined by the Medical Department and will ensure the alignment of the Medical Department policies and standards with those of other departments represented in the Operational Cell (CO), and that result is appropriate with the context of the missions assigned to the operational portfolio of the Op-Cells. Ensure the quality of the programmes as well as the respect for medical ethics and MSF humanitarian principles in the missions managed by the cell, through technical supervision, follow-up and advice.

S/he is part of the Operational Cell (OC). However the TESACO will be the interface between the Medical Department and the Operational Cell. The Operational Cell is a matrix-like “team set-up” integrating members of the different services or departments of MSF OCBA as the basis for direct support and guidance to the missions within the Cell’s portfolio. Each OC is made up of a person in charge of the Cell (RECO), one Deputy RECO, one Health Advisor (TESACO), one Logistics Advisor (TELOCO), one Finances Advisor (FINOCO) and one Human Resources Advisor (REHUCO).

TESACO is hierarchically accountable to the concerned Head of the Operational Cell (RECO), while functionally linked to the Deputy Medical Director in charge of Medical Operational Unit.

What are we looking for? ? Health/ medical professional (physician or nurse) having basic knowledge of health management of humanitarian projects, basic knowledge of public health and epidemiology. ? Experience of minimum 2 years in field medical-humanitarian projects. ? Previously experience as Medical Coordinator and/or Head of Mission in MSF or a similar humanitarian organisation is essential. ? Fluent English, French and Spanish are all essential to manage the portfolio of countries, (at least two languages). ? IT knowledge as advanced user. Knowledge of epidemiological software programme is an asset. ? Competencies: Identification with MSF, Analytical Thinking, Quality and Results orientation. Planning and Organising, Capacity of Influence, Teamwork.

Which will your responsibilities be? ? Provide strategic and technical support to field teams in all phases of the project cycle for regular, exploratory and emergency missions. ? Define and justify the medical strategy of the projects within portfolio, ensuring it aligned with both Operations and Medical Dept’s objectives, providing medical advice when drafting the annual planning of the projects. ? Supervise and give support in the implementation of policies and plans. Ensure that the Organisation’s medical principles, guidelines, and policies are implemented. ? Ensure appropriate procurement, monitoring and management of medical supplies. ? Follow up the technical medical part of the projects through field visits and technical reports. ? Support the medical teams in the field when drafting the technical parts of reports for donors, ratifying them with his/her Deputy RECO before submitting them to the corresponding donors ? Participate in Human Resources processes and training, collaborating with the REHUCO (JDs, field positions assignment, MC development, Bf/Dbf, courses/information sessions, etc.) ? Contribute to his/her Operational Cell participating actively in decision making processes within his/her Operational Cell. ? Manage the communication channels with the teams in the missions and /or the Medical Department, for issues that affect assigned portfolio. ? Agreeing with the Medical Department on operational research surveys conducted in the projects. This Job Description may undergo some changes in the future depending on the decentralized new setup.

What are we offering? ? Based in Nairobi OCBA Office, after a short initial period in Barcelona. ? We offer a very competitive annual gross salary in the Kenyan Market: between 3,794,392 and 4,336,446 KES, plus secondary benefits based on the OCBA salary policy. ? For international applicants we top your salary with a reward package which includes a bonus (in Euros) between 28% or 54% of the salary base depending on the chosen package, e.g.: if Spanish or European contract we foresee a bonus of 28% of the salary base; if local contract we offer a bonus of 54% of the salary base. The document about the salary and working conditions for the position will be sent to all candidates in this position who meet the requirements. ? In the middle time the position could lead to a higher responsibility position. ? Full time job. ? Travel to the projects 25-30% of the time. ? Moral commitment: 3 years. ? Starting date: as soon as possible.

How can you apply?

Applicants should send their CV and a covering motivation letter under the reference "HEALTH ADVISOR CELL HBO" to: recruitment-bcn@barcelona.msf.org Closing date: 16th October 2011 Replies will only be sent to short-listed candidates.